Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 19 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 4

Written Answers. - Rail Services.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

75 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the current position in relation to the upgrading of rail facilities on the Enfield to Dublin route via Kilcock, Maynooth and Leixlip, County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22794/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

76 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the current position in relation to the availability of extra rolling stock on the Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip to Dublin rail line; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22795/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

81 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the current position in respect of the upgrading and enhancement of facilities at Kilcock, Maynooth, Leixlip and Confey railway stations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22801/00]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 76 and 81 together.

The Maynooth line project is a major investment programme involving doubling the existing single track between Clonsilla and May nooth and resignalling of the route. Iarnród Éireann has informed me that laying of the second track is almost complete. Resignalling is also under way and the existing manned level crossings will be automated as part of that work. To date, platforms have been lengthened at Castleknock, Clonsilla, Leixlip Confey, Leixlip Louise Bridge and Ashtown stations and new station facilities are currently nearing completion at Maynooth, Clonsilla, Castleknock and Ashtown.

Twenty new diesel railcars have been delivered from Japan at a cost of £24 million and are undergoing commissioning at present. They will be introduced into service on the Maynooth line in early 2001. Overall, work on this project is progressing satisfactorily and will be completed by the end of this year.